Bunji Garlin makes musical waves

Bunji Garlin makes musical waves|Bunji Garlin makes musical waves
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Four-time Trinidad and Tobago Soca Monarch Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez continues to make waves around the globe with his hit song, “Differentology,” which features Orange Sky’s lead singer, Nigel Rojas on guitar.

Last Sunday night, during the 2014 Soul Train Awards in the United States, it was announced that the song and singer had captured a Soul Train Award for “Best International Performance” as the gala awards ceremony was broadcast on BET Centric.

Alvarez said he was forced to keep the win a secret over the past three weeks and sees it as another stepping stone for the genre of soca music. He said: “They sent the confirmation e-mail of the winners about three weeks ago, so I had to stifle that info until last night. I feel good that it was chosen by the people and God gave them the strength and the wisdom to choose and put that award in Trinidad’s hands.”

Alvarez’ “Differentlogy” was selected from among nominees, including: Machel Montano’s “The Fog”, Emeli Sande’s “Next to Me”, P-Square’s “Personally” and Iyana’s “Ur Waist.”

Just recently, the hit song was featured during the hit US television series Grey’s Anatomy and last month it defeated several challengers, including rapper Eminem and DJ/producer DJ Khaled on Hot 97’s “Battle of the Beats” contest to earn entry into the playlist of that popular New York-based urban radio station. “Differentology” has also been a favorite at NBA games and other major sporting events.

Garlin arrived in New York City this week to promote his lead single “Differentology” and deliver a special surprise performance to be announced at a later date.

He is set to release his upcoming studio album, aptly titled “Differentology,” next year on VP Records. Bunji Garlin’s anticipated album will be his first full-length release on VP Records since 2007’s Global. The international soca vocalist recently wrapped his album photo shoot with iconic photographer Jonathan Mannion (whose credits include Lance Armstrong, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Drake & Bon Iver).

Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez.
Photo by Jonathan Mannion